Developing UX Memo Template
- Curtis Blair
- Jul 3, 2022
- 3 min read
Overview
Focused exploration of my design and problem-solving process.
I created a minimalist case study template that focuses on a single challenging aspect of a project to share insights or lessons learned quickly. The collection of "memo" use cases aims to highlight how to pivot and adapt during the iterative process and share design insight.
What
Minimalist format for user experience case studies
Process
Showcasing a single lesson learned or insight for adapting during the iterative design process
Problem Statement
The project explored scenarios around creating use cases and determining how they are used to add value to projects. I established a research scope to focus on understanding practical applications and identifying user needs for reading this project documentation artifact.
Result
I created a memorandum portfolio template, which was socialized through Medium, and then I developed my UX Memorandum Portfolio to encourage documenting and sharing design insights throughout a project and foster collaboration.
Future Recommendations
Socialize the concept of brief single-focused use cases to gather feedback
Refine memorandum portfolio template for diverse presentations
Role
UX Designer
UX Skills
Qualitative Research
Desktop Research
UX Strategy
Service Design
User Interviews
Workshop Design
Facilitation
Project Management
Tools
Google Suites
Figma
Zoom
Design Process
Challenge
A challenge encountered on the project was adapting to a storytelling mindset to guide viewers through a narrative ach while determining what insight or lesson learned to showcase. Overall, the project's difficulty is learning how to be concise, yet still informative.
Initial Task
Research Questions
Who uses a use case?
What value is derived from a use case?
What is the relevance of portfolios?
Research Insight
Portfolios and cases studies provide insights into a designer's thought process for selecting design activities, exploring why that specific data was needed, and influencing the iterative design process
Literature Review
Online Articles and Recruiter Feedback
Compiled resources to find common purpose and structures
Who uses Portfolios?
Recruiters
Managers
Designers
How are Portfolios used?
Scan for titles, summaries, keywords
Results, Problem-solving, Annotations
Iterative process, Tools, Project Insights
Value from Portfolios?
Find qualified candidates
Review experiences and skills
Learn new techniques & skills
Determine the Viewer's Needs
Portfolios serve multiple purposes by concisely presenting skills, experiences, and design insights while considering the viewer's time limitation and purpose.
Essentially, the primary viewers of portfolios want to comprehend the essence of the use case as quickly as possible by assessing the problem, process, and progress.
Viewer's Perspective
Problem - have you identified the problems?
Process - how did you explore those problems?
Progress - how did you solve those problems?
Portfolio Website's Purpose
Design Reviews
Design Portfolios
Compiled UX Designer portfolios finding commonalities in the website's layout, structure, and purpose.
Website Basics
Home - Show distinction and specialization
About - Show interest and collaboration style
Case Study - Show problem-solving approach
Resume - Show experience/ domain knowledge
Portfolio Assets
Assets - Resume, Portfolio, LinkedIn
Resume - Experiences and design impact
Portfolio- Why and how you complete a project
LinkedIn - Community and networking
Shared Attributes for Compelling UX Portfolio
Concise Content - Tailored materials and explanations throughout the iterative design process
Scannable Layout - Visual hierarchy to improve scanning for context and comprehension
Annotations - Guide the viewer's attention, provide the purpose for viewing a project artifact
Design Insight
Portfolios are storytelling companions bestowing your skill and abilities through common themes - how you solve problems
Design Experiment
Problem
Time constraints prevent detailed portfolio use case assessments
Hypothesis
Utilizing a concise memorandum-style template could improve evaluation by focusing on a single lesson learned, showcasing the design process, and overcoming setbacks.
UX Design Memorandum Use Case Template
A Memo Portfolio is a collection of brief case studies that offer insight into design practices by focusing on a single research insight or showcasing a lesson learned from overcoming setbacks.
UX Memo Layout
Design Experiment Results
I socialized the memorandum portfolio template and concept via Medium and LinkedIn, generating community interest and feedback.
I refined the template and created my UX Memorandum Portfolio based on community comments.
